DeMar DeRozan is certain that history will judge Kobe Bryant fondly, that an odious start to the final season in a 20-year career for the Los Angeles Lakers icon will quickly be erased from the consciousness of fans and be replaced by memories of an honour-laden career.
There is a bias to DeRozan’s opinion, of course, because he grew up in Los Angeles idolizing the now 38-year-old, and the Raptors swingman has nothing but high regard for Bryant.
“That man has five rings, 17 all-stars, MVP,” DeRozan said after Bryant suddenly announced Sunday that this will be his final year.